The study's authors sought to determine those programs that produce a high number of graduates remaining within academic programs and the contribution of these graduates to academic neurosurgery.

In the study, 97 academic neurosurgery departments with 986 faculty members were analyzed. All data regarding training program and medical school education were compiled and analyzed by center from which each faculty member graduated. The neurosurgery training program at the University of Pittsburgh produced the highest number of academic neurosurgeons in this sample.

Peter G. Campbell, MD, of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia was the lead author of the paper.